This list of family vacations from Dallas vary from getaways close to the city to destinations only a couple hours away, as Texas is full of kid-friendly destinations. No matter if you’re hoping for a beach vacation, city tour, or camping trip, there is a vacation spot on this list perfect for your entire family. Have a great trip when you spend it at one of these top family vacations from Dallas.
San Antonio
San Antonio is a top destination for Texas families, full of top-rated and budget-friendly attractions to explore. Although this central Texas city is a four-hour drive from Dallas, it’s well worth the road trip. For families with little ones, attractions like SeaWorld, the San Antonio Zoo, and Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch are great ways to keep the kids engaged. For families with older kids, you may want to explore San Antonio’s historic sites like the Alamo or ride the thrilling roller coasters at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. With a number of great attractions, along with tons of eateries and outdoor recreation options too, San Antonio is a great family vacation for Dallas families.
Waco
Waco, Texas is only an hour and a half drive from Dallas, making it a perfect family vacation without much road time. Ideal for a weekend getaway, Waco attractions that will keep both parents and kids entertained are the Dr Pepper Museum, Cameron Park Zoo, Waco Mammoth National Monument, and BSR Cable Park. Since Waco is also only an hour and a half from Austin, it also makes for a great stop on your family vacation to Austin.
Fort Worth
If hours on the road just aren’t ideal for a family vacation with the kids, then consider a vacation in the next town over from Dallas, Fort Worth. Fort Worth is known for its cowboyish charm. However, the city is also home to a number of outdoor hot spots and top-notch museums. The Fort Worth Zoo and the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge are both educational and fun attractions that get the entire family outdoors. In between Fort Worth and Dallas is the city of Arlington, home to the biggest water park in North Texas, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, and Six Flags Over Texas theme park.
Glen Rose
Experience an exotic safari adventure that is just an hour and a half from Dallas, Texas in Glen Rose. The most exciting aspect of Glen Rose is the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, a 1,650-acre wildlife preserve that is home to endangered and exotic animals. Guests to the preserve actually drive through the 10-mile track, viewing animals in a natural habitat. Glen Rose is also home to Dinosaur Valley State Park, home to a number of hiking and biking trails.
Austin
Austin is an oasis for both parents with its long list of kid-friendly things to do. Take advantage of the natural areas here, from Mckinney Falls State Park to the Greenbelt to the Barton Springs Pool. For indoor fun, consider touring the Texas State Capitol or browsing the Blanton Museum of Art. Austin is home to a great children’s museum too called the Thinkery. Families with teens should consider browsing the cool shops on South Congress or touring the University of Texas at Austin.
Galveston
The drive to Galveston from Dallas is one of the farthest on this list at four and a half hours. However, with so many family attractions in this coastal city, your entire clan will enjoy a family vacation in Galveston. Home to miles of sandy beach, you and the family may just want to relax on the shore your entire trip. If you can pry yourself away from the beach, consider visiting Galveston’s coolest attractions like Moody Gardens or Schlitterbahn Waterpark.
Possum Kingdom State Park
For an unforgettable summer family vacation, Dallas families should head west to Possum Kingdom State Park. Rent a boat and explore this river-fed lake full of coves and inlets. Swimming and scuba diving are ideal during the summer months, however, if you’re visiting during the spring or fall, you may want to camp or hike the trails here.
Oklahoma City
Get out of Texas for your next family vacation and visit Oklahoma instead. A three-and-a-half-hour drive from Dallas, Oklahoma City is sometimes a forgotten travel destination. However, the city of Oklahoma is home to a number of family-friendly attractions, such as Frontier City Theme Park, the waterpark known as White Water Bay, and Andy Alligator’s Fun Park & Water Park.
